I like the judges, i think there is strong star power, all current successful artists.
but i’m not convinced of such a short season I think the main reason that the x factor produces successful music careers and The voice doesn’t is because the audience has a long time to get to know and care about the acts, which makes them so much more memorable.
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I’m thinking maybe three nights per week, starting with a top 9:
Sunday - all acts perform
Monday - one act in bottom 3, others perform
Tuesday - two more in bottom 3, live decider, 2 acts eliminated
Former Getaway reporter Jason Dundas has been named as the new host of The X Factor.
Perhaps he’ll have more luck attracting viewers to this than he did hosting The Big Adventure for Seven a couple of years ago.
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From Seven:
Jason Dundas is your new host of THE X FACTOR
Australia’s search for the next singing sensation has a new man at the helm.
Popular television presenter and model Jason Dundas is the new host of THE X FACTOR 2016.
Jason said of the role: "I’m incredibly humbled and excited to be a part of a show that provides Australians with a platform to live out their dreams as a singer.
“My career as a television host all started from winning a contest, so I know how life changing a show like this can be," said Jason who has interviewed some of music’s biggest names throughout his career, including Madonna and Beyonce.
Seven’s Director of Production, Brad Lyons, says; “We’re thrilled to have Jason on-board. He has a great energy and sharp instincts for live television. His music entertainment background also makes him a great fit for the show.”
Jason will work alongside the previously announced judging panel of Iggy Azalea, Adam Lambert and Guy Sebastian.
A seasoned television host, Jason has spent the past four years based in Los Angeles. He has served as a special correspondent for CBS’ Entertainment Tonight, hosted the MTV series America’s Best Dance Crew and a number of live specials for VH1
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It’s definitely a better judging panel than last year. I actually think all 3 judges are very suitable and relevant which is good.
I really hope it’s not just 6 people to the live shows. It will seem too rushed if that’s the case and such a short process to pick a winner from. For a shorter season a top 9 would be better, and for the first couple of weeks they could have two live shows a week (on the Sunday and Monday) which have combined results rather than separate result shows. Or even double eliminations for the first couple of weeks with a cast of 10 (3 each team plus a wildcard).
Although I do feel this has all been put together a bit last minute, and I’m worried the talent might be lacking this year. I don’t think they’ve held as many big auditions as they did the previous years?
There were small auditions held in front of production staff at numerous towns and cities nationwide. Auditions in front of the judges start in Sydney tomorrow.
Yes but in previous years they have definitely held more producer/production auditions in than I believe they have this year. I know that’s why there was a lot of talk of it possibly not returning a few months ago, because the scale of these auditions that had happened previous years were not happening. Makes me think a lot more people will be be invited to the audience auditions more The Voice style, or some previous year entries asked back.
Also I think Jason Dundas is a great choice for host. He’s very likeable and was somewhat wasted on The Big Adventure. I actually own most of his fitness clothing range ‘Dundasfit’ haha.
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If anything they should cut the audition weeks, not the live performances. What’s wrong with actually starting off the series with a top 12?
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There’s nothing wrong with a Top 12 in my opinion… I think most are just assuming that a 3 person judging panel along with a shorter season will mean shortened live shows. Also don’t auditions often rate better than the later stages of the competition? If so I doubt Seven would want to cut back on those too much.
Haven’t the auditions always been the highest rating episodes?
I think it had more to do with the fact Iggy said she was only filming for 4 weeks in November.
Here’s hoping there will be an opportunity for Jason to have that top of his off… 
Unlikely I know…
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From the auditions today…
The three categories are ‘Under 22’s’ ‘Overs’ and ‘Groups’.
The judges - This is by far the best panel yet. The chemistry is perfect. Iggy is harsh but so funny, Adam is a pro and Guy seems to have lost that chip on his shoulder from last years show and is on form.
They’ve done a great job at giving it a real point of difference to The Voice by having a three person panel. It’s what this show needed and makes the voices five person panel seem completely unnecessary, cluttered and subpar.
Jason was great, he’s a natural. The overall feel of the show is young, hip and current. Last year seems like nursing home Idol compared to this.
The set, graphics are really cool.
And what I think is the best move they could have made…
In an X Factor first anywhere in the world the three judges will collaborate and write and produce the winners single.
I’ve watched this show since its TEN days and the show is gonna fire this year.
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Thanks for the info about the changes Matty, it is good to see that they will be positive. I love The X Factor, it has always been far more entertaining than The Voice to me but it was getting a bit repetitive, only thing that concerns me is that if it is a shortened run to only a few weeks it loses it one main advantage over The Voice is that we actually see the contestants over and over and get to know them and become much more involved and I always believe that is why they have pretty good post show success.
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Thanks for the review Matty. I thought it would be a good judging panel and you’ve confirmed it. I also like the idea of the judges working together on the winners single. Between the 3 of them they have a lot of hits under their belt. I really look forward to Iggy and she sounds like great value to the panel.
The only thing I’m not so sure about is the group distribution. I would have much preferred just Males, Females and Groups. I don’t know why we need that age distribution. I think generally on X Factor the Overs group has always been the strongest so I don’t know why they always push for really young people.
Also just a thought - was there any indication during the recording how many contestants would end up being in each category?
Guy Sebastian has hinted at multiple acts eliminated on the same week due to less live shows this season.
Sorry if it has been asked before but has any other country done an alternate version of The X Factor before?
A simple Google search turned up this https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_X_Factor#The_X_Factor_around_the_world
You can now get tickets to the bootcamp performances at State Sports Centre in Homebush next week. There will be one session on Thursday night (July 28) and two sessions on Friday (July 29). Apply here